Cleaning apparatus



April 21, 1931. F, A. TEEPLE, JR-

I CLEANING APPARATUS vFiled May ll, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet l QW m@ @n L` MEQ INVENTOR.

Jr mi w.. M m F ATTORNE April 21,1931- F. A. TEEPLE, JR

CLEANING APPARATUS Filed May l1, 1928 3 SheetsF-Sheet 2 "7 INVENTOR. Fmn'l. Teepe J.,

A TTORNEY.

April 2l, 1931. F. A. TEEPLE, JR CLEANNG APPARATUS Filed May ll. 1928 6 Sheets-Shee 5 l ,nl -Eli@ l INVENTOR.

A TTORNE Y.

Patented Apr. 2l, 1931 AUNITED STATES A1 .;."ri=.',1\uf oFFicEm-'ff FRANK A. TEEPLE, JR., OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ASVSIGNOR TO SOUTHERN IRON &

EQUIPMENT CO., ATLANTA, GEORGIA, A CORPORATION W CLEANING APPARATUS Application led May 11,

This invention relates toa cleaning `apparatus or unit designed primarily for cleaning parts of motor vehicles when the latter are to be serviced, but it is to be understood that a cleaning unit, in accordance with this invention may be employed for cleaning purposes in any connection for which it is found applicable, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a cleaning unit so constructed and arranged for conveniently and thoroughly cleaning machineV parts by expeditiously boiling and causing a circulation of a cleaning solution, such as oakite lye or other chemical or caustic preparations of` the cleaning type and in which the parts are immersed,

whereby the action of the solution upon the parts will quickly remove foreign matters therefrom.

Further` objects of the invention are Y to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a vcleaning apparatus or unit for the purpose referred to which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, compact,

thoroughly efficient and convenient in its use,` readily assembled, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing yand other objects in viewthe invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more specifically described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can beresorted to ywhich fall within the scope of the claims hereunto appended. Y

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a cleaning apparatus or unit in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation looking toward'the front of the unit.

Figure 3 is a top plan View, partly broken away, of the unit.

Figure 4 is a top plan view illustrating the draft control, burner, drip pan and fuel controlling means. f Y

192s. Seriana 276,953.

Figure 5 is a crossv sectional view illustratlarged scale illustrating a float controlled ,i

feed valve.

Figure "I is a sectional elevation illustrating the draft control and drip pan.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view in section of the fuel feed control.

VReferring to the drawings in detail the cleaning apparatus or unit includes a tank structure having' a pair of side walls 1, 2, a front wall 3 and a rear wall 4. The walls 1 to 4inclusive seat on. a basel plate -of a length and width to project from said walls and formed with an upstanding, continuous bead or ange 6 at the-,edge thereof. The walls 1 to 4 inclusive are connected together to provide the body portion of the tank structure and said walls have securedto the outer faces thereof at the topa reinforcing member 7 of angle shapedcross section andco-extensive with the walls. Y

The side WallsVY 1, 2 and rear wall 4, at a point in proximity to the bottom thereof are formed with inwardly extending, rightY angular'ly Vdisposed -flanges of appropriate width. The flange which extends inwardly from they side Wall 1 is indicated at 8. The Harige which extends inwardly fromthe side wall 2^is indicated at 9 and that which extends inwardly from the rear wall 4 is indicated at 10. Secured to the anges 8, 9 and 10 and also to the front wall 3 is a' partition member of inverted U-s'haped cross section,

open at its front and closed at its rear. The Y U-shaped partition member includes a vertically disposed rear wall forming portion 11, a pair of side wall forming portions 12 fr wit-h the lower faces of the flanges 8, 9 and 10.

Secured upon the support 14 and also to the front wall 3 is a metallic sheet or plate 15 provided on its upper face with a lining of refractory material 16 which extends from the wall forming portion 11 to a point removed from the outer end of the plate 15. The refractory material 16 also extends from one wall forming member 12 to the other.

The partition member in connection with the flanges 8, 9 and 10 and the walls 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides an open top compartment 17 for the cleaning solution 18.

The partition member in connection with the sheet or plate 15 and lining of refractory material 16 provides a iirebox or heating chamber 19 having its inner end and sides surrounded by the compartment 17 whereby the cleaning fluid will be arranged not only on the top of the firebox but at the inner end thereof and at each side. The wall forming portion 13 provides the crown sheet of the firebox.

The wall forming member 13 at its rear has an opening 20 and leading therefrom is a tapered flue 21 adapted to be connected by a collar 22 to a stack not shown. The flue 21 extends through the compartment 17 and has its upper end attached to a bracing plate 23 therefor which is secured to the rear wall 4 of the tank structure.

Secured to the inner face of the rear wall 4 of the tank structure and interposed between said wall and the flue 21, and further extending from the side wall 1 to the side wall 2, as well as being secured therewith, is an angle shaped member 24 formed of a vertically and a horizontally disposed portion, the latter projecting from the lower end of the vertical portion and extending to the rear wall 4, as well as being secured therewith. The member 24 in connection with the rear wall 4 provides a dam in proximity to the upper end of the compartment 17 The member 24, in connection with the rear wall 4 also provides a. collector for the scum and which is passed off through a valved discharge pipe 25.

Connected to the rear wall 4 and communii eating with the compartment 17, at a point op osite the wall forming portion 11 is a va ved drain connection 26 which opens into the pipe 25.

Projecting from the side wall 2 is a supporting bracket 27 for a liquid fuel supply container 28 having depending therefrom a valved fuel conducting pipe 29 formed at its lower end with a right angularly disposed branch 30, which communicates with a feed pipe 31 which projects forwardly and real n wardly with respect to the branch 30, and the rearwardly extending part of the feed pipe 31 is indicated at 32 and is arranged above the forwardly extending part of the pipe 31.

The lower portion of the front wall 5) .lf a) Or the tank structure is cut away and secured to the front of the wall 3 and surrounding the cut away portion is a frame 33 to which is connected a forwardly directed, hollow front or closure 34 provided with a hinged door 35. The lower portion of the closure 34 is provided with an opening 36. The closure 34 is also formed with forwardly directed spaced lugs 37.

Mounted on the plate or sheet 15 and abutting against the body or lining of refractory material 16, as well as projecting from the opening 36 is a` combined support and drip pan formed of a bottom 38, a rear wall 39, a pair of side walls 40, 41 and a front wall 42 of less height than the rear or back wall 39. The side walls 40, 41 are secured to the lugs 37 by holdfast devices 43. The side walls 40, 41 are notched at 44 in proximity to the rear wall 39. Formed integral with the forward face of the rear wall 39 and the bottom 38 is a pair of spaced, vertically disposed supports 45 having aligning notches 46. The supports 45 are of less height than the height of the rear wall 39. The front wall 42 he- A tween its vertical median and the side wall 40 has its top edge formed with a vertically disposed notch 47 and with the base of the notch beveled as at 48. See Figure 7.

Formed integral with the bottoni 38 and inner face of the front wall 42 are a pair of upstanding, guide arms 49 which project above the top edge of the front wall 42. The side walls 40 and 41 intermediate their ends and at the upper port-ions thereof each has a semi-circular cutout 50. The rear part of each side wall is of greater height than the forward part thereof as indicated at 51. The cutout portions 50 terminate at the points of joinder of the portions 51 of the side walls with the portions of reduced heights thereof.

Mounted in the cutout portions 50 of the side walls 40 and 41 is the burner element of the unit and which includes a pair of semicircular end pieces 52 seated in the cutout portions 51. The burner element includes a trough-shaped body portion 53 formed integral with the end pieces 52. The body portion 53 consists of a pair of oppositely disposed, upwardly extending parts 54, 55 inclining in opposite directions and each terminating in a vertically disposed portion 56. By this construction the body portion of the burner element, in cross section, is of substantially V-shaped contour. Formed integral with the body portion 53 in proximity to the end pieces 52 is a lateral flange 57 conforming in contour to the shape of au end piece The flanges 57 are positioned between the side walls 40, 41 and prevent the bodily shifting of the burner element relative to the dri p pan and support. Secured to the body portion 53, centrally thereof, is a nozzle 58 for supplying fuel to the chamber 59 formed by the end pieces 52 and body portion 53. The

nozzle v58 depends from the bodyportion and is connected to a feed pipe 60 which leads from a fuel supply controlling mechanism. The vertical part 56 which extends from the part 55 of the burner is of less height than the vertical part 56 which extends 'from the part 54 of the burner.

The draft regulator which functions as a defiector is shiftably supported upon the drip pan and it comprises a pair of substantially quadrangular end pieces 61 having formedv integral with the inner faces thereof, adjacent the curved edges of such end pieces an arcuate web 62 formed at its upper side with a flange 63 and adjacent its lower side with a flange 64. The flanges are integral with the upper face of the web 62 and coextensivetherewith and also integral with the end pieces 61. The lower side of Jdie web 62 is positioned above the bottom of the end pieces 61. i VPositioned against the web 62 and confined between the end pieces 6l and anges 68, 64 is a facing of refractory material' 65 flush with the edges of the end pieces 6l. The lower side of the web 62 is seated in the notches 44 andis capableof shifting therein when it is desiredto adj usty the position of the combined draft regulator and deflector.

For the purpose ofadjusting the position of the combined draft regulator and deflector, a lever 66 of compound curvature is provided. The lever carries a pivot 67 which is seated in the notches 46. The lower part of the lever 66 is arranged between the supports 45 and attached to the lower part of the lever 66 is a shifting bar 68 therefor. The bar 68 at its inner end is provided with a pin 69 which seats into the lower part of the lever 66. f The bar 68 projects a substantial distance from the front wall 42 of the drip pan and extends between the guide arms 49. The lower edge of the bar 68 is formed with a set of teeth 70 selectively engageable with the beveled face of the notchk 47 for the purpose of latching the combined draft regulator vand deflectcr in its adjusted position. f

The outer end ofthe bar 68 is provided with a handle piece 71. The upper portion of the lever 66 is arranged in proximity to the web 62 for the purpose of adjusting the same when occasion requires and the adjustment is had by shifting the bar 68 inwardly or outwardly with respect to the drip pan.

The fuel controlling mechanism comprises a housing 72 formed with a depending portion 7 3 provided with a partition 7 4 t-o form an intake chamber 75 and a float chamber 76. Opening into the chamber 75 is the Vpipe branch 32. Extending from the bottom of the float chamber 76 is the feed pine 60. The partition 74 is arranged in the lower portion -of the float chamber 76 and is formed with a valve controlled outlet 7 6 positioned in the top of the chamber 75. The valve for controlling the outlet 76 is indicated at 77 and vwhichis carried on the lower end of a vertical stem78, the latter being enlarged as at 79 and passing through a guide y opening 80. The stem 78 carries a pair of spaced collars 81 between which operate the forked end of a pivoted shifting lever 82 which is attached to a float 83 operating in the chamber'7 6. Carried by the housing`72 at one side of the dependingportion 7 3 thereof is a cam piece 84 which coacts with a cam piece 85 for elevating and lowering the hous- Y ing 72. The cam piece 85 is revoluble horizontally and provided with a handle member 86. The cam piece 85 surrounds a pro tuberance 87 formed on a supporting bracket 88 which is fixed to the front of the drip pan. Secured to the housing 72 and extending through the protuberance 87 is a rod 89pm.- vided with a controlling spring 90 interposed betweenrthe nut 91 and the top of the protuberance 87, the latter being hollow. The spring 89 functions to maintain the cam pieces in abutting engagement.

The container 28 is fitted with a top 28 which is Lloosened and freely ventilated with special ports provided for such purpose.

The element 24 acts as a dam, to hold back the solution, but allows the scum and other refuse that collects L on the surface of the solution, which wouldV cling to the cleaned parts asthey are drawn from the solution to flow off first. The valvev controlled pipe 24 provides for the egress of excess -solution over `fixed working depth. rl`he burner element is disposed transversely of the firebox at the front thereof. Thefhottest part of the flame is near the fronty just over the burner element andwhich causes'a violent agitation upward'throughithe solution or liquid in compartment 17 at this point. This action sets kup the general circulation of the liquid or solution which is upward over the burner, toward the back on the surface, down at the back and toward the front on the crown sheet. This natural action of the circulation of the solution or liquid assists in cleaning the surfaces of scum. The scum is swept backward by the circulation and is drained off over the member 24. Thel compartment 17 has its bottom provided by the wall forming portion 13 acting as a heating surface and the compartment 17 is so constructed and arranged that Vit is formed ofsuch shape to oppose the sides and back for the firebox 19 whereby the liq- La vides additional heating surface and said flue l furtherr permits egress of the products of combustion from the irebo-x 19. The refractory'material 16 acts as an insulation to prevent the heat of combustion from penetrating to floor or other foundation of the unit. l"

The burner element being of V-shaped cross section provides that the vaporizing surface of the fuel varies with the height of the fuel in the trough-shaped element. By regulating the height of fuel level in the body portion of the burner it is possible to regulate the fuel consumption and consequent-ly the heat generated by its combustion. The back wall of the body portion is slightly lower than the front wall wherebyT in case of fuel in the burner element is unduly agitated by some foreign matter the fuel will 1A`nbble over and spill into the drip pan.

The combined draft regulator and deflector has a three-fold purpose7 one of which is to deflect the draft, another to regulate the amount of air to be used for combustion, and the other to direct the flame against the hot refractory material of the front, which in turn deflects the flame upward and backward. The closure 30 has a lining of refractory material 30. The arrows in Figure l show general flame action. The results of this vortex action of the flame that it brings about a thorough mixing of the fuel vapor and air, and this in the presence of the rcfractory material of the front, which becomes extremely hot, reflects and radiates this heat into the said vortex, brings about a combustion which is comparable with burners of the mechanical and steam atomizing types in intensitv.

The combined draft regulator and deflector is adjustable and the setting thereof can be viewed through a peep hole 35 in the closure or front 34.

As the burner element is set transversely across the width of the ireboX and the flame as it travels toward the stack spreads itself out evenly over the whole width of the box, giving a more uniform heat to all parts of the heating surface. The design and location of the stack aids the flame action.

The fuel flows by gravity to the housing 72. The controlling valve 77 is float controlled and cuts 0H when the fuel reaches a certain height in the float chamber. The height of the fuel in the float chamber at which the valve cuts off is constant and since the float chamber is connected directly to the burner element, the height of the liquid or fuel in the body portion of the burner element is practically the same as that in the float chamber. In order to change the level of the fuel in the body portion of the burner element, it is necessary to change the height of the housing 7 2. This is done by means of thecam members referred to. Movement of the handle 86 in one direction raises the housing 7 2 and movement in the other direction causes the spring 9() to pull down. that is to say when the handle 86 is moved in one direction the housing 7 2 is elevated and when moved in the other direction it is pulled down by the spring 90. The mechanism for elevating and lowering the housing 72 is fixed so that the housing can never be raised high enough to cause the fuel to Overflow from the body portion of the burner element. The connection of the body portion between the burner element with the housing 72 is such that the body portion is plumb level when the fuel is at its maximum level and is slightly tilted as the housing is lowered.

The fuel container is attached to the tank structure in such a manner as to provide for a space therebetween. A stack effect is produced thereby and a continuous current of air is always passing upwardly through such space which keeps the fuel in the container cool, though it is close to the boiling liquid in the compartment 17. The valve in the line or pipe 29 is indicated at 29 for cutting off the discharge of the fuel from the container 28 when occasion requires. There is sufficient flexibility in line 29 to allow for eas manipulation of the housing 7 2 when desire( That I claim is 1. In a cleaning uniti a tank body including a pair of sides and a front and a rear wall, said front wall having an opening in its lower portion. flanges extending inwardly from said side and rear walls in proximity to the bottom thereof. an upstanding partition member of inverted U-shape in cross section positioned in and of less height than said tank body, said partition member closed at its rear and open at its front, said member having its sides and rear spaced from the side and rear walls of the tank and the forward end of its sides and top connected to the front wall to provide an inward continuation of the walls of said opening, said partition member forming in connection with said flanges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, and. means supported from said flang s and in connection with said partition member providing an open front firebor; below said compartment.

2. In a cleaning unit, a. tank body including aA pair of sides and a front and a rea-r wall, said front wall. having an opening in its lower portion, flanges extending inwardly from said side and rear walls in proximity to the bottom thereof. an upstanding partition'member of inverted U-shaped cross section positioned in. and of less height than said tank body, said partition member closed at its rear and open at .its front, said member having its sides and rear spaced from the sides and rear wall of the tank and the forward end of its sides and top connected to the front wall to provide an inward continuation of the walls of said opening. said partition member forming in connection with said flanges and the walls ofthe tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, means supported from said flanges and in connection with said partition member providing an and an upstanding liue extending through` the rear of said compartment, connected to the top of said partition member, spaced 5 from the rear wall of the tank body and opening into said firebox.

3. In a cleaning nnit, a tank body including a pair of sides and a front and a rear wall, said front wall having an opening in its lower portion, flangesextending inwardly from said side and rear walls in proximity to the bottom thereof, an upstanding partition member of inverted U-shaped cross section positioned in and of less height than said tank body, said partition member closed at its rear and open at its front, said memberhaving its sides and rear spaced from the sides and rear wall of the tankv and the forward end of its sides and top connected to the front wall to provide an inward continuation of the walls of said opening, said partition member forming in connection with said anges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, means supported from said flanges and in connection with said partition member providing an open front rebox below said compartment, an upstanding flue extending` through the rear of said compartment, connected to the top of said partition member, spaced from the rear wall of the tank body and opening into said firebox, and said flue being tapered.

4. In a cleaning unit, a tank body including a pair of sides and a front and a rear wall, sai-d front wall having an opening in its lower portion, flanges extending inwardly from said side and rear walls in proximity to the bottom thereof, an upstandingV partition member of inverted U-shaped cross section positioned in and of less height than said tank body, said partition member closed at its rear and open at its front, said member having its sides and rear spaced from the sides and rear wall of the tank andthe forward end of its sides and top connected to the front wall to provide an inward continuation of the walls of saidopening, said partition member forming in connection with said flanges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, means supported from said flanges and in connection with said partition member providing an open front firebox below said compartment, an upstandingflue extending through the rear of said compartment, connected to the top of said partition. member, spaced from the rear Wall of the tank body and opening into said firebox, and a bracing plate for said liuc, said plate connected to and projecting lower portion, flanges extending inwardly.

forwardly from the rear wall of the tank and u from said side and rear wallsin proximity to the bottom thereof, an upstanding partie tion member of inverted U-shaped cross sectiony positioned in and of less height than said tank body, said partition member closed at its rear 'and open at its front, said member having its sides and rear spaced from` the sides and rear wall of the'tank andthe forward end of its sides and top connected,

to the front wall toprovide an inward continuation of the walls of said opening, said partition member forming in connection with said flanges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, meanssupported from said flanges and in connection with said partition member provi'ding an open front firebox below said compartment, an upstanding flue extendin through the rear of said compartment, connect'ed to the top of said partition member,`

spaced from the rear wall of the tank body and opening into said lirebox, and a dam extending transversely of the rear of said Com-` partment below the top thereof and connected to the rear wall of the tank body and urther abutting against the back of said ue. v Y 6. In a cleaning unit, a tank body including'a pair of sides and a front and a rear wall, said front wall having an opening in its lower portion, flanges extending inwardly from said side and rear walls in proximity to the bottom thereof, an upstanding partition member of inverted U-shaped cross section posi-tv tioned in and of less height than said Atank body, said partition member closed at its rear and open at its front, said member having its sides and rear spaced fromthe sides and rear wall of the tank and the forward end of its sides and top connected to the front wall toj provide an.inwardcontinuation of the walls of said opening, said partition member forming in connection with said flanges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, means supported from said iianges and in connection with said partition member providing an open front rebox below saidcompartment, an upstanding Hue extending through the rear of said compartment, connected to the top of said partit-ion member, spaced from the rear wall of the tank body and opening into said firebox, a dam extending transversely of the rear of said compartment below the top thereof and connected to the rear wall 0f the tank body and further abutting against the back of said liuc, a valve conducting oli' pipe opening into said dam, a valve conducting off pipe opening into fromsaid sides and rear walls in proximity tothe bottom thereof, an upstanding partition member of inverted U-shaped cross section positioned in and of less height than said i tank body, said partition member closed at lts rear and open at its front, said member having its sides and rear connected to said flanges, spaced from the sides and rear wall offthe tank and the forward end of its sides lo and top connected to the front wall to provide an inward continuation of the walls oi said opening, said partition member forming in connection with said iianges and the walls of the tank an open top cleaning fluid compartment, supporting means extending in- Wardly fromthe sides and rear of said member, means mounted on said supporting means and in connection with said member providing yan open front irebox, and a hinged ,o closure for said firebox directed forwardly of said front wall.

8. In a cleaning unit, in combination, a tank structure providing an open top cleaning Huid compartment, means within and in connec- 25 tion with said structure providing an open front firebox surrounded at its sides, top and rear by depending portions of said compari'n ment, an upstanding flue leading from the rear of the top-of the irebox and extending :c through and above the open top of said compartment, means positioned in proximity to said open top, transverseh7 of and within said compartment, abutting the rear of said fine and connected to the sides and rear Walls of 16 said compartment to provide a combined dam and collector, said flue being tapered. and a brace connectedto the rear wall of said compartment and to said fine.

In testimony whereof, I aiiix my signature 40 hereto.

FRANK A. TEEPLE, Jn. 

